Russian Revolution Summary

Overview

This lecture covers the Russian Revolution, the downfall of Tsar Nicholas II, the rise of the Bolsheviks, the Russian Civil War, and the early years of the USSR.

Failures of Tsarist Russia During WWI

• Tsar Nicholas II's government failed to provide weapons, food, and medical care for soldiers.
• Soldiers often lacked basic supplies, leading to suffering and desertion.
• Ineffective leadership and administrative breakdown undermined support for the monarchy.
• Local organizations (zemstvos) filled gaps left by the failing government.

The February Revolution and Provisional Government

• Protests began on International Women’s Day (Russian February 1917) over war mismanagement and food shortages.
• Widespread discontent led to Nicholas II's abdication.
• The Duma formed a Provisional Government, including various political factions.
• Workers and soldiers revived soviets (councils) to claim more power.
• Continued chaos and competition for power contributed to instability.

Rise of the Bolsheviks

• Bolshevik leader Lenin returned to Russia with German help, promoting "Peace, Bread, Land."
• The Bolsheviks believed a small elite should lead the revolution, not the masses.
• Bolsheviks gained influence through propaganda and grassroots organizing.
• Lenin and Trotsky alternated between cooperating and opposing other groups, favoring violent overthrow.

October Revolution and Bolshevik Consolidation

• In October 1917, Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government via a coup.
• They dissolved the Constituent Assembly after losing majority in elections.
• The Bolsheviks imprisoned, exiled, or executed opponents and shut down local institutions.
• Industries and banks were nationalized; the Bolsheviks negotiated the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, ceding territory to Germany.

Civil War and Creation of the USSR

• Bolsheviks (Reds) fought diverse opponents (Whites) in a brutal civil war until 1922.
• The Cheka (secret police) helped suppress opposition, while the Red Army grew under Trotsky.
• The USSR was founded in 1922, promising cultural autonomy to ethnic groups (often broken in practice).
• The Bolshevik regime relied on violence and fear, not the egalitarian socialism Marx envisioned.

Early Soviet Policies and Challenges

• Industrial production plummeted and millions died due to war, famine, and disease.
• Propaganda promoted the Communist vision and education campaigns targeted rural and Muslim populations.
• The New Economic Policy (1921) restored some capitalism, allowing private businesses (NEP-men) to operate.
• Lenin suffered strokes and died in 1924; Stalin began to consolidate power.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Zemstvos — Local self-government organizations in Russia.
• Soviets — Councils of workers and soldiers asserting political influence.
• Bolsheviks — Radical socialist party led by Lenin, later called Communists.
• Provisional Government — Interim government formed after Tsar’s abdication.
• Cheka — Bolshevik secret police.
• Treaty of Brest-Litovsk — 1918 treaty where Russia ceded territory to Germany to exit WWI.
• NEP (New Economic Policy) — Lenin’s policy allowing limited capitalism to revive the economy.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the timeline and major events of 1917-1922 Russian history.
• Summarize the roles of Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin in the revolution and civil war.
• Read additional material on the impact of the New Economic Policy.